California

A Guide to One of America’s Best Birdwatching States

California is a dream destination for birdwatchers. With its towering redwoods, sun-drenched coastlines, vast deserts, and snow-capped mountains, the Golden State offers some of the most diverse habitats in the United States. Whether you’re a beginner with binoculars or a seasoned birder with a checklist, there’s something for everyone here.

From the Pacific Flyway to the Sierra Nevada, California attracts over 600 recorded bird species each year. That makes it one of the top birding states in the country. In this guide, we’ll explore the best spots, notable species, and tips to help you make the most of your birdwatching adventures in California.

Best Birding Spots in California

1. Point Reyes National Seashore (Northern California)

This coastal paradise is one of the best birding locations in North America. More than 490 species have been recorded here. Spring and fall migrations are especially active.

 

Encyclopædia Britannica

2. Mono Lake (Eastern Sierra)

Mono Lake’s salty waters attract thousands of Wilson’s and Red-necked Phalaropes, as well as Eared Grebes and California Gulls. The lake’s unique tufa formations also make it a beautiful birding backdrop.

MishMoments

3. Central Valley Wetlands

The Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys are key stopovers for migrating waterfowl. Look for massive flocks of Snow Geese, Sandhill Cranes, and Northern Pintails in winter.

Jeffrey A. Volberg

4. Big Sur Coastline

The rugged cliffs of Big Sur are one of the best places to spot California Condors, which were reintroduced here. Also keep an eye out for Peregrine Falcons and various seabirds.

5. Salton Sea (Southern California)

This inland saline lake is a birding magnet, especially during winter. It’s a great place to see American Avocets, Black-necked Stilts, Burrowing Owls, and sometimes rare tropical species.

6. Yosemite National Park

Birders can spot everything from Steller’s Jays and Hermit Thrushes in the forest to American Dippers along the Merced River. Elevation changes bring many unique species into view.

Birds to Watch For

Here are just a few of the iconic and interesting species you might encounter:

    • California Quail – The state bird, often seen in groups called coveys.
    • Acorn Woodpecker – Known for storing acorns in holes drilled into trees.
    • Western Bluebird – A colorful and common sight in open woodlands.
    • Allen’s Hummingbird – Bright and fiery, especially common along the coast.
    • Yellow-billed Magpie – Endemic to California’s Central Valley.
    • Elegant Tern – A graceful seabird found along the coast in summer.
    • California Thrasher – A secretive songbird with a curved bill, found in chaparral.
    • Anna’s Hummingbird – One of the few hummingbirds that stay year-round.
•California Quail
•Acorn Woodpecker
Western Bluebird
•_Yellow-billed Magpie
California Thrasher
Elegant Tern
Allen’s Hummingbird

Best Times for Birding

    • Spring (March to May) – Peak migration for songbirds, shorebirds, and raptors.
    • Summer (June to August) – Great for nesting birds in mountains and highlands.
    • Fall (September to November) – Second migration wave, especially along the coast.
    • Winter (December to February) – Best for waterfowl and raptors in the valleys and wetlands.

California’s birding season never really ends, there’s always something to see.

Tips for Birding in California

    • Bring a field guide – The state is so diverse that having a regional bird book helps.
    • Pack layers – The climate can change quickly from coastal fog to desert heat.
    • Use eBird – This app helps track sightings and find birding hotspots.
    • Respect wildlife – Stay on trails, keep a safe distance, and don’t play bird calls in nesting areas.
    • Join local bird clubs – Groups like Audubon California host guided walks and events.

California has more endemic bird species than any other U.S. state, meaning they’re found nowhere else in the world. The Island Scrub-Jay, for example, lives only on Santa Cruz Island off the Southern California coast.

Birding in California is more than a hobby—it’s an adventure that leads you through some of the most scenic and ecologically rich places in the country. Whether you’re photographing Bald Eagles at a mountain lake or spotting hummingbirds in a backyard garden, the state’s avian life is sure to inspire awe.

So grab your binoculars, charge your camera, and get ready to explore the skies and forests of California. Happy birding!

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